Ragbirds, announcement of another winter concert excite downtown crowds
Eager concert goers attending the annual Max & Emily’s Summer Concert Series enjoyed more than just the globally-infused sounds of the Ragbirds on Saturday in downtown Mount Pleasant.
As the street lit up with activity, attendees were witness to an ALS ice bucket challenge, the collection of donations for the Mount Pleasant Red Cross Infant Panty, celebrating a child’s first birthday and the announcement of the second annual winter concert.
Accepting an ice bucket nomination by Andy Brockman, son of Max & Emily’s owner Tim Brockman, General Manager Chris Walton was doused with icy water to kick off the show as he introduced the band.
“Every concert should start with someone getting a bucket of water dumped on their head,” said Ragbirds lead vocalist Erin Zindle. “That was the best introduction we’ve ever had.”
Continuing the challenge, Walton nominated Isabella Bank President Steve Pung, Ragbirds tour manager Randall Moore and Jeff Daniels.
The Ragbirds, playing the concert series for the fourth year in a row, delighted the crowd with its unique melodies while celebrating the first birthday of Aviva Moore, Erin Zindle’s daughter.
Zindle was pregnant with her daughter during last year’s show and unable to play the accordion needed for some of the band’s songs.
This year, the band has been on tour with little Aviva Moore and her grandparents, road nannies Ed and Julie Zindle.
“A booking agency booked us to play here years ago and we’ve been coming back ever since,” Moore said. “We play all over the country and this show is always one of the best ones. Mount Pleasant has always been a lot of fun and the community is always supportive.”
Two hours before the show, dedicated residents set up chairs close to the stage to get a good view of the performers and the dancing in front of the stage.
“We’ve been coming to all the shows for years and we’re never disappointed,” said Mount Pleasant residents Maureen and Jerry Taylor. “This has always been a great way to relax and be part of the community.”
The concert was also helping to once again raise money for the Infant Pantry. By the end of the show, Max & Emily’s collected close to $4,000 for the charity.
Max & Emily’s General Manager Chris Walton announced at the end of the show, the second annual winter concert once again being held in Plachta Auditorium will be on Jan. 23 and that the performer is a Grammy award winner.
Walton said the name of the performer will be released sometime in November.
